WhatsApp Backups on Android to Soon Count Towards Google Drive Storage
In a significant shift in policy, WhatsApp has announced that chat and media backups on Android devices will soon start counting towards users’ Google Drive storage limits. This change, which is set to roll out in phases starting December 2023, marks a departure from the previous practice of exempting WhatsApp backups from storage quotas.
The decision to align WhatsApp’s backup policy with other platforms like Apple’s iCloud is likely driven by the increasing volume of data being stored in WhatsApp chats and media. As users accumulate messages, photos, and videos, these backups can consume a considerable amount of storage space.
For Android users, this change means that their WhatsApp backups will compete with other Google services, such as Gmail and Google Photos, for their allocated storage space. With the default 15GB of free storage shared across these services, users may need to manage their data more carefully to avoid exceeding their limits.
To address potential storage concerns, Google has indicated that it will provide eligible users with “limited, one-time Google One promotions” to encourage them to expand their storage plans. Additionally, Google offers storage management tools to help users identify and remove large files or photos that are no longer needed.
While the new policy may pose challenges for some users, it also brings certain benefits. For instance, users can now choose to restore their WhatsApp backups from any device linked to their Google Account, regardless of the platform. This cross-platform compatibility enhances flexibility and simplifies data management.
Overall, the upcoming changes to WhatsApp’s backup policy are likely to have a mixed impact on Android users. While some may face storage constraints, others will appreciate the improved cross-platform compatibility and the ability to manage their backups more effectively.
